What Bank of America's ABA code is and why you need it

Bank of America's ABA code (also called a routing number) is a nine-digit identifier that tells the banking system which Bank of America branch or processing center should receive your wire transfer. When you send money to someone with a Bank of America account, you need their bank's ABA code so the transfer reaches the right institution. Without it, the wire cannot be routed.

Bank of America has multiple ABA codes because different branches and different types of accounts route through different processing centers. The code you use depends on where the receiving account is located and what type of account it is — checking, savings, or business. Using the wrong code can delay a transfer or send it to the wrong place entirely.

Key Takeaways

  • Bank of America's main ABA code for most domestic wire transfers is 026009593, but other codes exist depending on the account type and location.
  • You can find the correct ABA code by calling Bank of America directly, checking the recipient's bank statements, or looking it up on Bank of America's official website.
  • The ABA code is different from the account number and the SWIFT code (which is used for international transfers).
  • If you use an incorrect ABA code, contact your bank immediately — the wire may be rejected or sent to the wrong financial institution.

Bank of America's primary ABA code for domestic wires

The most commonly used ABA code for Bank of America domestic wire transfers is 026009593. This code works for most checking and savings accounts held at Bank of America branches across the United States. However, this is not the only code Bank of America uses, and certain account types or regional processing may route through a different number.

If you are sending a wire to a Bank of America business account, a money market account, or an account in a specific region, the receiving bank may provide you with a different routing number. Always confirm with the person receiving the money or with Bank of America directly before sending.

How to find the correct ABA code

The fastest way to get the right ABA code is to ask the person receiving the money. They can find it on their Bank of America statements, in their online banking portal under account details, or by calling Bank of America customer service. This method eliminates guesswork because they have access to their own account information.

You can also call Bank of America directly at 1-800-869-3557 and provide the account holder's name and account number. A representative can confirm the correct routing number for that specific account. If you are sending the wire from your own Bank of America account, your bank can also look up the recipient's routing number for you.

Bank of America's website lists routing numbers by state and account type, though navigating to the correct one requires knowing which state the account is in. The official Bank of America routing number lookup tool is more reliable than third-party sites, which sometimes display outdated information.

ABA code versus account number and SWIFT code

The ABA code identifies the bank or branch. The account number identifies the specific account within that bank. Both are required for a domestic wire transfer, but they serve different purposes. The ABA code tells the system which bank to send the money to; the account number tells that bank which account to deposit it into.

If you are sending money internationally, you will need a SWIFT code instead of (or in addition to) an ABA code. SWIFT codes are longer and formatted differently, and they route money between countries. Bank of America's SWIFT code is BOFAUS3N, but international transfers have additional requirements beyond just the routing number.

What to do if you use the wrong ABA code

If you realize you entered an incorrect ABA code before sending the wire, contact your bank immediately and ask them to cancel the transfer. Many wires can be stopped within a few hours of being sent, but once the money leaves your bank, recovery becomes much harder. Do not wait — call as soon as you notice the error.

If the wire has already been sent to the wrong ABA code, your bank can attempt to recall it, but success is not may provide. The receiving bank may have already processed the transfer, and retrieving the money can take weeks or require the cooperation of multiple institutions. This is why confirming the ABA code before sending is critical.

Common mistakes when using Bank of America's ABA code

The most frequent error is confusing the ABA code with the account number or assuming all Bank of America accounts use the same routing number. Some people also mix up the nine-digit ABA code with a different number from their statement, such as a check routing number (which may differ slightly) or a branch code.

Another common mistake is using an outdated ABA code. Bank of America occasionally changes routing numbers when branches consolidate or processing centers reorganize. If you are using a code you found years ago, verify it is still current before sending a large wire. The safest approach is to ask the recipient directly or call the bank each time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Bank of America's ABA code the same for all accounts?

No. While 026009593 is the most common code, Bank of America uses different routing numbers for different account types, regions, and processing centers. Always confirm the correct code for the specific account you are sending to rather than assuming all Bank of America accounts use the same number.

Can I find the ABA code on a Bank of America debit card?

No. The ABA code does not appear on debit cards. You can find it on checks, bank statements, or by logging into online banking and viewing account details. If you do not have access to any of those, call Bank of America or ask the account holder directly.

What happens if I send a wire to the wrong ABA code?

The wire may be rejected and returned to your account, or it may be sent to a different bank. If it reaches another institution, recovery requires that bank's cooperation and can take weeks. Contact your bank immediately if you suspect an error — the sooner you act, the better the chance of stopping or recovering the transfer.

Do I need a SWIFT code to send money to Bank of America?

Only for international transfers. Domestic wires use the ABA code (routing number) and account number. If you are sending money from outside the United States to a Bank of America account, you will need the SWIFT code BOFAUS3N along with other international transfer details.

Can I use a check routing number instead of the wire transfer ABA code?

Sometimes, but not always. Check routing numbers and wire transfer routing numbers can differ for the same account. To avoid delays or errors, use the routing number specifically for wire transfers. If you are unsure which one to use, ask Bank of America or the account holder.